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Warren County reviews recycling market pressures and equipment repairs; leaf-machine inspection pending
Summary
Officials reviewed recycling revenues and market prices — paper about $5/ton, plastics about $60/ton and cardboard about $73/ton — and discussed inspections and needed repairs for a leaf machine; staff said they were awaiting an estimate from the vendor.
County staff updated officials on recycling operations, recent revenue notes and equipment concerns, and flagged a pending inspection for a leaf-act machine.
A staff member cited recent income and inventory details, including two loads of cardboard delivered at the end of December and a cited figure of $576,167 in a discussion of receipts and levy timing. The staff member said the county does not get a levy freeze in January and February but instead receives a lump-sum payment later; they also noted receiving $9,000 recently.
Market conditions for recyclable commodities were highlighted: the transcript records paper returning about $5 per ton, plastics about $60 per ton and cardboard around $73 per ton. Staff warned that those markets are 'all over the place' and flagged a possible supplier change — comments indicated Lexon Gate may discontinue a bumper product that could raise operational problems for processing.
On equipment, the staff member said Tom Lloyd had inspected the leaf machine earlier; Lloyd identified an axle issue that was later repaired by the vendor. Staff said the vendor was to provide a full estimate for any additional fixes but that, as of the meeting, they had not received that estimate. "You need to stay on them," the staff member said, relaying Lloyd's advice on follow-up.
There was no formal vote on the recycling-market items; staff said they would follow up with the vendor for a complete estimate and that action on further repairs would be scheduled later.
The transcript includes informal comments about fluctuating commodity prices and an operational note that some materials now cost the county to dispose of; staff emphasized ongoing monitoring of markets and vendor responsiveness.
Next steps: staff will contact vendors for pending estimates, monitor commodity prices, and report back when estimates or contract actions are available.
